Don’t grab the paper towels
Paper fibers leave lint behind and can create fine scratches on optical surfaces.
The security camera cleaning field guide
How not to clean a security camera.
A dirty camera can miss the evidence that matters. Cleaning it the wrong way can make things even worse. Here’s what to avoid—and the safer, purpose-built way to restore a clear view.
DO NOT
Paper towels
Glass cleaner
Pressure washers
Improvised tools
Protect the optics.Prevent scratches and residue.
Protect the equipment.Keep liquid out of housings.
Protect your people.Clean safely from the ground.
Avoid these common mistakes
Good intentions.
Bad cleaning methods.
Security cameras are not windows. Their optical surfaces, coatings, housings, seals, and positioning require a more deliberate approach.
Don’t use household glass cleaner
Ammonia, alcohol, and harsh chemicals can damage coatings, seals, and camera housings.
Don’t spray the camera directly
Liquid can migrate into seams, microphones, vents, and connectors.
Don’t scrub a dry, dirty lens
Grinding dust and grit across the surface can turn a cleaning job into permanent image damage.
Don’t use a pressure washer or hose
Outdoor-rated does not mean pressure-washer-proof. Forced water can defeat seals.
Don’t improvise with a broom or rag
Uncontrolled tools can scratch domes, change camera aim, snag wiring, or leave the view worse.
Don’t default to ladders and lifts
Cleaning should not introduce unnecessary fall risk, blocked walkways, or costly equipment rentals.
Why this matters
“The real risk isn’t a dirty camera. It’s the evidence you missed because of it.”
Blur, glare, lint, haze, and shifted camera angles can reduce usable detail and undermine the investment you already made in surveillance.
The proper method
Clean the view.
Not the hard way.
CameraShine is a patented, purpose-built surveillance camera cleaning system designed to help technicians and end users clean dome and bullet cameras from the ground.
Discover CameraShine ↗Inspect first
Check the housing, lens or dome, mounting, seals, and visible wiring.
Use optics-safe cleaner
Apply a small amount of ammonia- and alcohol-free cleaner to the microfiber—not directly to the camera.
Clean with the right contact
Use the CameraWand for domes or Bullet Buddy for flat-faced cameras with gentle contact.
Verify the image
Confirm focus, aim, clarity, analytics, and recording after cleaning.
One job. Two very different approaches.
THE WRONG WAY
Whatever is nearby
- Household chemicals
- Lint and residue
- Uncontrolled pressure
- Ladders or lifts by default
- No image verification
THE CAMERASHINE WAY
Built for surveillance
- Optics-safe cleaning fluid
- Washable microfiber bonnets
- Tools for domes and bullets
- Ground-based cleaning up to 24 ft*
- Inspect, clean, verify, document
Frequently asked questions
Security camera cleaning, answered.
Can I use Windex on a security camera lens?+
No. General-purpose glass cleaners may contain ammonia, alcohol, dyes, or additives that can harm optical coatings and leave residue. Use a cleaner made for optical surfaces.
Can I clean a security camera with a paper towel?+
It is not recommended. Paper towels can shed lint and may drag abrasive particles across the lens or dome. Use a clean microfiber bonnet instead.
Should I spray cleaner directly onto the camera?+
No. Apply a small amount to the cleaning surface—not the camera—to reduce the chance of liquid entering seams or openings.
How often should security cameras be cleaned?+
It depends on the environment. Cameras near roads, kitchens, loading docks, landscaping, dust, pollen, salt, or insects may need more frequent attention.
Stop improvising
There’s a proper tool for the job.
CameraShine helps turn camera cleaning into a safer, repeatable maintenance practice—because clear video isn’t optional.
Shop CameraShine ↗